US officials have confirmed a new military escalation near the Strait of Hormuz after Iranian drones were launched towards a US naval vessel and a commercial ship.
According to Axios, a US official said Iran launched four drones targeting a US Navy vessel and a commercial ship operating in the area. The official added that US forces intercepted the Iranian drones before carrying out strikes on a ground-based drone launch unit.
Reuters also cited a US official confirming that American forces launched fresh airstrikes on an Iranian military site, which, according to Washington, posed a threat to US troops and maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
The official further stated that US forces destroyed Iranian drones considered a direct threat to American personnel.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Tasnim News Agency quoted a military source claiming that Iranian forces forced an American tanker attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz to stop and turn back.
The same source said US forces opened fire on deserted land surrounding the city of Bandar Abbas without causing any damage.
Earlier, Iranian media reported hearing three explosions east of Bandar Abbas in southern Iran. Reports also stated that air defence systems were activated for several minutes, though no further details were released.
